NPPA names WAVY Station of the Year

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - WAVY-TV 10 was selected as the Medium Market Station of the Year in this year's National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism Television contest, judged at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, FL.

Dave Delozier, a peer judge from KUSA-TV in Denver, said WAVY's entry was, "A solid entry that consistently captured moments that drew the viewers in." "'Virginia's Niagara Falls’ was very well shot and captured moments as residents reacted to the flooding,” commented Delozier. “I loved 'Monster Mess' as it contained both moments of humor and conflict. It was well shot."

WAVY-TV 10 News Director, Kathy Hostetter, commended the team on winning this achievement. "Our photojournalism team does outstanding work every day and in every newscast. Their ability to tell great stories through the viewfinder clearly resonates with Hampton Roads viewers, and it is great to see that they resonate with a national judging audience, as well," said Hostetter.

The WAVY Photojournalist team's winning entries included stories: "He's got his gun out" in Spot News by Colin McIntyre; "Virginia's Niagara Falls" in Deadline News by Matt Mrozinski; "Hot, Wet Fun-raiser" in General News by Andy Miller; "Monster Mess" by Aaron Kurtz; "Just what are those Limits?" by Mike Akin; "Marching Monarchs" in News Feature by Colin McIntyre; "It's OK to Slobber" in 48 Hour Feature by Matt Mrozinski; "I'm Doing It" in Sports Feature by Andy Miller; and "A Moment I'll Never Forget" in Team Shoot by Matt Mrozinski, Andy Miller, Colin McIntyre, Chris Reckling, and Brian Parsons.

“Our team shows great creativity, commitment and leadership,” said WAVY President & General Manager, Doug Davis. “They represent WAVY and Hampton Roads exceptionally well, and it is outstanding to receive this national recognition.

WAVY photographers have been recognized by NPPA for individual efforts for several years. This is the first time WAVY has received Station of the Year honors. Their winning entries have been posted on www.wavy.com. "What an awesome honor it is to be awarded NPPA Medium Market Station of the Year," said WAVY-TV 10 Chief Photographer Jeff Myers. "It was truly a group effort. We are committed to good TV storytelling and it's great to be recognized on a national level."

The National Press Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancement of visual journalism, its creation, practice, training, editing and distribution, in all news media and works to promote its role as a vital public service.

The Poynter Institute is a school dedicated to teaching and inspiring journalists and media leaders. It promotes excellence and integrity in the practice of craft and in the practical leadership of successful businesses. It stands for a journalism that informs citizens and enlightens public discourse. It carries forward Nelson Poynter's belief in the value of independent journalism.

On the web:

Click here to watch the award-winning video submission

NPPA's official announcement